Stickney Toy Breed Rescue

I have known of Mary through Pekingese rescue for many years. She gives her all to help dogs that no one else can be bothered to help. She goes without basic necessities, so the dogs never do without. She is one of the most selfless people I know. She goes without food, sleep, clothing, so she can help more dogs.

Mary has been working with puppy mill dogs and throwaway dogs for many years...I have personally adopted one of her little chihuahuas a few years ago....the love and care she gives to these little loss souls is amazing. They come to her reeking of puppy mill smells...their souls are broken, the have no trust and they are terrified. I have seen Mary turn these poor babies into loving little dogs who beg for attention. There are a few who never learn to trust fully so they stay with Mary until they go to Rainbow Bridge. She goes without for herself so these babies do not go hungry, nor do they lack health care. Mary is a saint who deserves all the help in the world with her rescue. She is the most unselfish people I know.

I have been following Mary Stickney's Rescue for many, many years now. One of the things I love about her and her organization is how transparent it is. She shares all manner of information with her supporters and will always answer emailed questions as well as questions on her facebook page. I feel that her page on facebook gives anyone an opportunity to look right in to her home and see how well she treats all the dogs she takes in. She also has many supporters who actually come to her home and volunteer caring for and grooming the dogs.

She does often have high vet bills as the many dogs she takes in are mill dogs (and abandoned dogs) who have received little or no medical care their entire lives. Mary doesn't skimp on a dog's vet care needs even when they come to her in the worst possible condition which happens often. I have never heard her "brag" about such bills as they are often a source of anxiety if anything since her vet is good but he does not work for free and she incurs many other expenses caring for these dogs such as food, heartworm and flea meds, grooming supplies, etc. She will let us know when she could use donations to help pay the bill down as the rescue/re-homing donation of $250 to adopt one of her dogs often does not reimburse her for the $600 to $1000 the vet may have charged to spay, do a dental, repair a hernia, or treat severe eye damage or fix broken legs!! But as these are mill dogs and not championship dogs, requesting more dollars from an adopter for the re-homing fee will only keep these dogs from going to their forever homes.

I am in awe of the constant daily hard work that Mary does for these dogs and the commitment she has made to them. She is the best, deserves a five star rating and definitely has earned those five stars through her continued hard work giving these dogs a second chance at life and their first chance at loving homes!! (P.S. If I lived anywhere close to this rescue I would be volunteering my time regularly but as it is I am too far away so I support Mary in as many other ways as I can.)

My family and I have been doing volunteer work at Mary's for the last 5 years and have been there when a load of puppy mill dogs come in (very sad and disgusting) and to be able to see what Mary has done for these dogs is priceless. She loves them, grooms them, vets them, socializes them and they all love her back. Thank God for people like Mary, she does what I only wish I could do. We have adopted several of her dogs and they have made my family complete! Although there is one she just got this weekend that I have fallen madly in love with but can't have and hope she can find the best home ever!! Mary you know who I am talking about. Love you and the work you do!!

I believe Mary is at least part Saint. I wish wish wish that I was in a position to do what she does. I always follow her rehab pictures and stories, I don't know how she does what she does with what she has, but I am truly grateful for her rescue. She's the real thing.

Heart, soul, compassion and perseverance. That is my description for Mary. I am involved in rescue, for Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue. I am well acquainted with the frustrations, limitations and emotional costs of doing rescue work. Financial considerations aside, there is an emotional cost to bearing witness to the horrors and sadness of abuse. Mary is a front line soldier whose mission is fought from the trenches and yet she has managed to keep her vision intact and her mission focused without losing herself. That is rare.

I am director of a small breed rescue in Missouri, so I understand living in a rescue home. There is room in rescue for people to be individuals. For the most part, we are all doing what we think is right, what is best with our resources. Mary is doing a good job and has helped our rescue with hard to adopt dogs. I have been to her home several times. No complaints. She's a rescuer in the trenches. I applaud her. I'd give anything to have her great, dog safe yard!

I have transported dogs to Mary. I follow her on FB and make monthly donations thru her site, maryshouse.us She is such a blessing to so many dogs who would be shot by farmers or breeders, who have never been touched in a kind way, and need to learn how to just be a good dog. Many come to her knowing nothing but the inside of a tiny cage and sore bodies, crusty eyes, and broken limbs. She and her Wizard (Vet) work miracles. Mary takes in cases that end up crossing the Rainbow Bridge but she tried everything to save them. I don't have the heart to be a rescuer because for every dog or puppy lost, because of breeders horrible treatment or uneducated dog owners who abuse or abandon dogs, my heart would break. It would not take long for my spirit to break along with it. Mary is an inspiration to us all. I am proud to make my donations to her and help her rescue.

I adopted a sweet little Yorkie from Mary. I would go through her again if I lived closer. Mary does a lot of good and raises awareness of the rough life puppy mill dogs go through. I am so glad she saved my Wendy so I could give her lots of love. Mary is an angel to these dogs.

Mary takes in more dogs than she has the resources to care for. She often brags about having vet bills in excess of $1,000 (and seems to expect others to pay for these bills) while she continues to take in more dogs. Perhaps she shouldn't take in so many dogs until she has the means to pay for them. Recently one of her dogs almost died from pyometra yet she had the dog for months before it was spayed. If anything had happened to the dog it would have been Mary's fault.

Mary also talks about swatting dogs on the behind and "not tolerating" certain behaviors. There is never a need to swat or harshly punish a dog, especially puppy mill dogs or shy/fearful dogs. She should try positive reinforcement methods and counter conditioning to make the dogs more comfortable or extinguish the behavior.

I never want to see dogs go into Mary's rescue, I feel so sorry for them. I would also never adopt or support her rescue.

I have worked with and known Mary for many years. I personally did reference checks with the professionals she had contact with including some who had been to her physical rescue, and they were spotless. She has since proven over and over her priority's are for dogs best interest in providing the best health care that they need and a safe place to recover if physically or emotionally damaged. She will take any dog in need if there is room regardless of age or condition. The dedication and tireless commitment to the animals makes Mary's rescue one of the most outstanding ones I have worked with.
They are not warehoused and problems passed on to others she works with the dogs to rehab them so they can become good companion animals and find their forever homes.

Mary stickney has helped hundreds of formerly unadoptable dogs by acclimation and training in becoming a good and happy dog. She has fixed their spirits and arranged the medical care they need. She is an active opponent of puppy mills and has the dog's best interest at heart.

Mary Stickney is an inspration and instructor for so many other dog rescuers, particularly mass breeder dogs (also known as 'puppy mill' dogs). Her strength and determination are an example to many of us, and give confidence to those who adopt from her. Every creature that comes in gets its own special attention, name, individualized care,and is put on the path to being a placeable pet.

Poor condition and emotional problems don't stand in the way of animals having warm arms waiting, and if a sad little dog cannot be rehabilitated, it still has good food, warmth, medical care, and a place to live out its life.

I have known Mary Stickney for many years. She does wonderful work with the dogs. She takes in dogs that no one else would even try. Some of them are sick or hurt and she nurses them back to health and finds good homes for them. Some are so unsocialized that no one can get near them. She works with them and turns them around so that they can become someone's much loved pet.
Of course, some of Mary's dogs are too ill, too old or too feral to rehabilitate. To those she gives a safe haven to spend the rest of their lives in her home. Mary works at 2 or 3 jobs sometimes to be able to afford medical care for her charges. She provides each dog with plenty of food, a warm bed, any medical care that is needed and much, much love. I admire Mary Stickney tremendously and it makes me feel better about this world to have her in it.

I have known Mary for many many years through the Internet & a private chat group about small dog rescue & owners. She has always been extremely helpful to all, but she is a savior to those doggies who do not have a voice or home of their own. She takes the, in, makes sure that they get health care, and then performs miracles buy getting them their forever home. If for some reason their re home doesn't work out, they can come back to Mary's. she amazingly keeps her home and large yard clean and safe. She is indeed an angel on earth!

I have known Mary for some time via Facebook. I can tell you, I have never seen a more dedicated woman. She would give her left arm for these animals. Their home is top notch, all of the dogs receive personal attention, they all receive expert health care, and they are happy. Mary works very hard with dogs from all backgrounds to ensure that they are placed in the right home for them. Mary is an asset to the shelter community.

I met Mary on line several years ago. Mary does an amazing job and takes in many dogs that are old, ill or injured. These are dogs that many rescues would not take. Yet Mary does and because of this, she always has very high vet bills. Yet she works hard to raise money and she also spends a large amount of her own money to make sure these dogs get good food and care. Rescue is a hard job and many rescurers burn out after a few years. Mary has not as she is and has been fully committed to rescue. Mary also shares her knowlege of dogs, resources and her experience with many of us who have not been in resuce as long as she has. I know that she also works to find good, permanent homes for all of her foster dogs. Of course, her rescue is and always has been a no kill facility. I feel qualified to recommend Mary's rescue although I have never been there. She posts many photos and I am in touch with people who have been to Mary's rescue in Nebraska. If I lived closer, I would definitely volunteer.

I have known Mary and her rescue for many years. Being a rescue is a very difficult job. She takes in all the poor little and big furkids that have been dumped or caged for most of their lives and makes them whole again. Mary is the most loving warm person I know. She never says no, loves and worries about each and every furbaby. Her door is always open for them to come in battered and bruised and to walk out with head held high and tail wagging.
Stickney Toy Breed Rescue, Mary at times goes without so the dogs have what they need. She works to keep the rescue going. Her stats are so impressive-so many saved and rehomed in a year it is impossible to keep up with her.
I know what rescuing is, l have been at it for 20 years myself. God Bless you Mary and everyone at Stickney Toy Breed Rescue.

Mary is one of those special people who help make this world a better place for our canine friends, Mary is always willing to help with transport to other rescues if she can't take them at the time. Those most in need of help and vetting seem to occupy a special place in her heart. She works tirelessly to rehab and find new loving homes, spending many of her own dollars as well as striving to find sources of funds for her rescue. You couldn't find a more deserving place to put your donations of time and other resources.

I met Mary Stickney on line several years ago and really fell for her ethics, her compassion, her straight forwardness and her honesty. She has pretty much single handed started this rescue from her heart and her limited resources. She has made very sure her home, her yard and her talents all are for the best of all things for the rescues that come in for her. Basically Mary takes the ones that are damaged as in shyness, distrust, seniors that were turned or dropped somewhere and little ones that are sometimes disabled. And no dog is ever sent away to make room for one that may be more adoptable. If there is any dog that cannot be adopted for a particular reason, it lives a wonderful life with Mary and is given all the love and caring it needs.

Mary's rescue is not spread all over with lines of fosters wanting to help. Actually I find her to be a role model for what a true rescue is all about. She makes sure a serious back ground check is made before any canine is released to that person for adoption plus, if something doesn't work out, her contract states the dog comes back to her and no where or to no one else. I prefer to donate my limited resources to her rescue mainly because it's such personal rescue and I know that every dime goes right to the health and welfare of her charges. Actually she is extremely close to reaching 1000 adoptions before the end of this year. Personally I feel she should be applauded for her care and consideration and her compassion for of these little ones.

Mary took in a dog that was a dump off at my work. Trooper was a puppy mill dog that was SO scared of everyone and everything. She has done some much for him and he has finially made the Adoption list after more than 6 months in her care,he has come so far because of the dedication she has to the puppies/dogs that she rescues. Thank you so much for being you and being there for the dogs when everyone else has turned their backs on them.

Mary takes in all types of dogs, blind ones, crippled ones, 'deformed' , skinny ones, fat ones and old ones. She doesn't cherry pick just the good ones that will be adopted fast. She takes retired puppymill production line workers and introduces them to a life outside the box. They get to see the outdoors, walk on grass instead of wire, can eat good food and drink all they want from real bowls and never have to have puppies again. The dogs learn what it is like to be a house dog and even sleep in bed with her. They get groomed, their nails cut and bathed when necessary. They are spayed and neutered, given shots and teeth cleaned before the go to their new home. The dogs are usually adopted out for less than their vet bills. The difference comes out of her pocket.

The ones that are not adoptable stay until they die. They have paid their dues.

I met Mary online.
I adopted my Remmington from her. Mary is a great person with a heart of gold. She is there for these dogs no matter the cost or travel time.
Mary always keeps people in the loop of knowing how and when she needs help for her dogs.
Stickneys Toy Breed Rescue is amazing. They love and care for Mill and other rescues. Mary will step in even when she can't physically get somewhere to help she finds others to step in as she guides them on getting the job done.
Mary loves these pets and puts their needs above her own.
Mary is an example of LOVE and RESPECT for all dogs in her care and in need.
Thank you Mary. I love Remmington he is a wonder little guy. I could not imagine life without him.

Jodie De Hoek

Love Mary and her Rescued Furkids. Fun to follow them through rescue, surgeries, pregnancies and adoption of the new babies. She finds great homes for dogs.

Mary has never turned down a dog in need, regardless of what it would cost. She takes in the most vulnerable and needy, gets them healthy again and finds them great homes or keeps them with her for the rest of their lives. Being a small rescue she doesn't get the exposure the bigger ones do, but she does just as much if not MORE for the ones entrusted to her care.

Mary has a heart of gold but an empty wallet. She has taken in dogs that may not have had a life otherwise. She vets the dogs, socializes them and gets them ready for their forever homes. She works at a paying job and almost all of her wages go to care for the dogs. What can I say about Mary and Stickney Toy Breed Rescue except bless your heart for saving these babies!!!

I met Mary online. I have dogs but she totally opened my eyes and my heart!!! Mary and Stickney Toy Breed Rescue are by far the most amazing people (yes, I see dogs as people) I have ever encountered! Constant updates, good and bad, make me feel like I'm a part of what's going on. When a fur baby is lost because the previous "owner" or back yard breeder/puppy mill owner was useless and took no care of the momma's, it's a devastating loss. I'm just grateful they were able to spend the last of their time here on earth in a loving, caring community with so much love and attention. I may never get to take a physical visit to Stickney Toy Breed Rescue and get lost in a pile of loving dogs, dogs who may have never known love before Mary but everyday I'm a part of their lives and I thank God for Mary and the babies (and those who help Mary) daily!

My family has adopted two dogs from Stickney Toy Breed Rescue. I find this organization to be incredible. They take in dogs with such serious challenges due to abuse, neglect, or birth defect; dogs that many others would not give a chance, and do an amazing job rehabilitating them to prepare them for adoption. There seem to be no deadlines. They will keep and work with the dogs as long as necessary to nurse them back to physical health and an emotional state that makes them candidates for adoption. Additionally, there is no limit to the dollars they will invest in medical procedures, medicines and such to restore their physical health. Stickney's has a heart and a gift for loving and working with dogs who have come out of such difficult circumstances.